I'm still in holiday mode, so here's another post from earlier in the year.
McCaw, Carter Supreme Winners At Literature Awards
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw was given the supreme award at the Steinlager New Zealand Literature Awards last night.
Showing posts with label All Blacks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label All Blacks. Show all posts
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Ten Reasons Why Andrew Hore Is Not To Blame
- If you slow the tape of the incident right down, I mean really really slowly*, you can see that the Welsh player appears to be moving his right hand towards his hip. That bulge at his side could just be a fold of rugby jersey, or the guy could be concealing a weapon. It was self defence.
- In some parts of the world knocking a Welshman out would probably have earned Hore a reward. In the English city of Chester, for example, an ancient law permits the shooting of Welshmen with a bow and arrow inside the city walls and after midnight. So tell me again, what did Hore did wrong?
Monday, February 13, 2012
If Political Journalists Wrote Sports News
Rumours are swirling of an imminent leadership challenge within the All Blacks camp.
Speculation began that Richie McCaw may face a challenge to his captaincy of the All Blacks, after the team’s near-loss in the Rugby World Cup final.
While the All Blacks won the final, the victory was narrow, and concern is growing that the team may be in need of fresh leadership and a new direction.
The near-loss in the October final has already claimed a number of victims, including the head coach Sir Graham Henry. Sir Graham resigned shortly after the game, although he denied reports he was being forced out by unhappy players and NZRU officials.
Sir Graham admitted shortly after the final whistle that the team had not played as well as it could have on the day. However, the full All Blacks spin machine was quickly into damage control, as both he and McCaw later claimed to be delighted with the result.
Rumours of a challenge have been fanned by observations that McCaw has been largely absent from the game since late last year.
McCaw has barely been seen on the rugby field since the final, prompting speculation that NZRU strategists are well aware of the public’s declining support for McCaw. Officials have all but admitted publicly that McCaw’s ongoing absence from the rugby field in recent months is a result of fatigue and weariness, and the need to freshen him up before the new season begins.
McCaw has appeared in a number of television commercials recently, but one insider said this was a sign McCaw was looking beyond a life in rugby and was attempting to obtain some financial security for himself in the event of a leadership challenge.
It is also understood that McCaw’s teammates have become sick of his ongoing criticisms of the team and his generous praise towards opponents of the All Blacks.
In a number of after-match speeches last season McCaw admitted that his team had not performed as well as it could have. In one notable speech McCaw acknowledged that his team had lacked composure and discipline at crucial times and had thrown away too many chances to win the game.
McCaw also praised the spirit of opposition teams on a number of occasions, observing that a good deal of credit was due to them for the way they played.
It is unclear whether these speeches demonstrate a move by McCaw away from the core values that once made him such a winning force for the All Blacks. There has been concern in some quarters that McCaw may be trying to drag the All Blacks in a different direction and force them to play more like their opponents.
Long-time All Black activists are unlikely to tolerate any such attempt. Since international rugby went professional in the 1990s numerous die-hard supporters of the team have bemoaned the direction the game is going in. Their grievances include the absence of rucking, the proliferation of muscle-bound giants on the playing field, and the fact that someone with the build of Terry Wright might as well nowadays just play soccer.
A move to replace McCaw may come as soon as this week. It is understood that a number of players were infuriated at McCaw's Sportsman of the Year award at last week's Halberg Awards.
It is unclear whether a challenger would have the numbers to roll McCaw, but a number of All Black players have strong support from their teammates and from the general public. They include Piri Weepu, Dan Carter and Conrad Smith.
Even if McCaw survives a leadership bid, his difficulties may not be over.
Polls had the All Blacks as overwhelming favourites to win the final game of the Rugby World Cup, but their stumble almost cost them victory. If McCaw survives this challenge, it is unlikely that team players and management will tolerate such a poor performance from McCaw again.
Speculation began that Richie McCaw may face a challenge to his captaincy of the All Blacks, after the team’s near-loss in the Rugby World Cup final.
While the All Blacks won the final, the victory was narrow, and concern is growing that the team may be in need of fresh leadership and a new direction.
The near-loss in the October final has already claimed a number of victims, including the head coach Sir Graham Henry. Sir Graham resigned shortly after the game, although he denied reports he was being forced out by unhappy players and NZRU officials.
Sir Graham admitted shortly after the final whistle that the team had not played as well as it could have on the day. However, the full All Blacks spin machine was quickly into damage control, as both he and McCaw later claimed to be delighted with the result.
Rumours of a challenge have been fanned by observations that McCaw has been largely absent from the game since late last year.
McCaw has barely been seen on the rugby field since the final, prompting speculation that NZRU strategists are well aware of the public’s declining support for McCaw. Officials have all but admitted publicly that McCaw’s ongoing absence from the rugby field in recent months is a result of fatigue and weariness, and the need to freshen him up before the new season begins.
McCaw has appeared in a number of television commercials recently, but one insider said this was a sign McCaw was looking beyond a life in rugby and was attempting to obtain some financial security for himself in the event of a leadership challenge.
It is also understood that McCaw’s teammates have become sick of his ongoing criticisms of the team and his generous praise towards opponents of the All Blacks.
In a number of after-match speeches last season McCaw admitted that his team had not performed as well as it could have. In one notable speech McCaw acknowledged that his team had lacked composure and discipline at crucial times and had thrown away too many chances to win the game.
McCaw also praised the spirit of opposition teams on a number of occasions, observing that a good deal of credit was due to them for the way they played.
It is unclear whether these speeches demonstrate a move by McCaw away from the core values that once made him such a winning force for the All Blacks. There has been concern in some quarters that McCaw may be trying to drag the All Blacks in a different direction and force them to play more like their opponents.
Long-time All Black activists are unlikely to tolerate any such attempt. Since international rugby went professional in the 1990s numerous die-hard supporters of the team have bemoaned the direction the game is going in. Their grievances include the absence of rucking, the proliferation of muscle-bound giants on the playing field, and the fact that someone with the build of Terry Wright might as well nowadays just play soccer.
A move to replace McCaw may come as soon as this week. It is understood that a number of players were infuriated at McCaw's Sportsman of the Year award at last week's Halberg Awards.
It is unclear whether a challenger would have the numbers to roll McCaw, but a number of All Black players have strong support from their teammates and from the general public. They include Piri Weepu, Dan Carter and Conrad Smith.
Even if McCaw survives a leadership bid, his difficulties may not be over.
Polls had the All Blacks as overwhelming favourites to win the final game of the Rugby World Cup, but their stumble almost cost them victory. If McCaw survives this challenge, it is unlikely that team players and management will tolerate such a poor performance from McCaw again.
Monday, January 9, 2012
McCaw, Carter Supreme Winners At Literature Awards
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw was given the supreme award at the Steinlager New Zealand Literature Awards last night.
McCaw’s epic book, Richie, won the main award, the Literature Cup, as well as picking up a number of other prizes.
The win takes the All Blacks back to the top of the world literature rankings and completes a strong 12 months for the world champions.
Speaking to the packed crowd at Wellington's Westpac Stadium, McCaw gave a moving and eloquent speech that reduced many to tears.
“Yeah, nah, I’m rapt,” said McCaw, as he held aloft the Cup. “This is for all you fans who stuck by the team.
“It was a bloody tough contest, and I wasn’t sure if we’d pull it off till the very end, but we stuck in there and gave it everything.
“Thanks very much, and cheers.”
The win backs up McCaw’s Best Actor award at last month’s Rexona New Zealand Film Awards. McCaw took the top acting honour for his role in the short film Adidas Haka Advert.
Last night's judging panel included some of New Zealand’s top literature players, both present and past.
Awards chairman Murray Mexted said the calibre of the award entries this year was outstanding.
“Mate, there were some top efforts all round. All credit to these guys,” said Mr Mexted.
In a break from tradition a special Lifetime Literature Achievement award was presented to Colin Meads.
Organisers of the event had signalled they would present a special award to someone who had excelled in the field of literature over many years, and who had put New Zealand on the map.
In the end Mr Meads edged out stern competition from C K Stead, Patricia Grace and Keri Hulme to take the prize.
“Bloody good stuff,” said Mr Meads.
Other winners on the night were the All Black Cory Jane for his monumental work Twitter Stream, and his teammate Dan Carter who took the top poetry medal for the short poem Responding to Journalist Questions at All Blacks Press Conference.
Carter's work, which includes such memorable lines as “yeah, nah, I’m pretty gutted about the injury, but, you know, I guess that’s life and I’ve just got to move on”, has been described by some commentators as a modern masterpiece.
“Mate, the clever allegorical use of the ‘yeah, nah’ phrase in almost every line of the poem provides a thumping and powerful rhythmic effect throughout the work, reminding us at the same time of the eternal contradiction between what is and what is not, and leaving the reader with a sense of dilemma and confusion, challenging in a profound and powerful way modern hegemonic modes of discourse and dialogue, while highlighting the internal intellectual and spiritual crisis raging within the writer,” said chief poetry judge Peter Leitch, better known as The Mad Butcher.
"Mate, I almost cried like a girl when I read it."
Others have praised the fluency of Carter's work.
“Carter has always had a powerful left boot, but what stood out to me was some of his crisp passing through the backline, and those telling breaks late in the game as the opposition began to tire,” said commentator Grant Nisbett.
Patron of the event, Prime Minister John Key, has dismissed claims by some in the arts world that McCaw and Carter lack any literary ability and are undeserving winners.
“Okay, so Richie McCaw may not be Shakespeare, but who can even remember a single line Shakespeare ever wrote?” said Mr Key.
“And how many points did Shakespeare ever score in international rugby?”
McCaw’s epic book, Richie, won the main award, the Literature Cup, as well as picking up a number of other prizes.
The win takes the All Blacks back to the top of the world literature rankings and completes a strong 12 months for the world champions.
Speaking to the packed crowd at Wellington's Westpac Stadium, McCaw gave a moving and eloquent speech that reduced many to tears.
“Yeah, nah, I’m rapt,” said McCaw, as he held aloft the Cup. “This is for all you fans who stuck by the team.
“It was a bloody tough contest, and I wasn’t sure if we’d pull it off till the very end, but we stuck in there and gave it everything.
“Thanks very much, and cheers.”
The win backs up McCaw’s Best Actor award at last month’s Rexona New Zealand Film Awards. McCaw took the top acting honour for his role in the short film Adidas Haka Advert.
Last night's judging panel included some of New Zealand’s top literature players, both present and past.
Awards chairman Murray Mexted said the calibre of the award entries this year was outstanding.
“Mate, there were some top efforts all round. All credit to these guys,” said Mr Mexted.
In a break from tradition a special Lifetime Literature Achievement award was presented to Colin Meads.
Organisers of the event had signalled they would present a special award to someone who had excelled in the field of literature over many years, and who had put New Zealand on the map.
In the end Mr Meads edged out stern competition from C K Stead, Patricia Grace and Keri Hulme to take the prize.
“Bloody good stuff,” said Mr Meads.
Other winners on the night were the All Black Cory Jane for his monumental work Twitter Stream, and his teammate Dan Carter who took the top poetry medal for the short poem Responding to Journalist Questions at All Blacks Press Conference.
Carter's work, which includes such memorable lines as “yeah, nah, I’m pretty gutted about the injury, but, you know, I guess that’s life and I’ve just got to move on”, has been described by some commentators as a modern masterpiece.
“Mate, the clever allegorical use of the ‘yeah, nah’ phrase in almost every line of the poem provides a thumping and powerful rhythmic effect throughout the work, reminding us at the same time of the eternal contradiction between what is and what is not, and leaving the reader with a sense of dilemma and confusion, challenging in a profound and powerful way modern hegemonic modes of discourse and dialogue, while highlighting the internal intellectual and spiritual crisis raging within the writer,” said chief poetry judge Peter Leitch, better known as The Mad Butcher.
"Mate, I almost cried like a girl when I read it."
Others have praised the fluency of Carter's work.
“Carter has always had a powerful left boot, but what stood out to me was some of his crisp passing through the backline, and those telling breaks late in the game as the opposition began to tire,” said commentator Grant Nisbett.
Patron of the event, Prime Minister John Key, has dismissed claims by some in the arts world that McCaw and Carter lack any literary ability and are undeserving winners.
“Okay, so Richie McCaw may not be Shakespeare, but who can even remember a single line Shakespeare ever wrote?” said Mr Key.
“And how many points did Shakespeare ever score in international rugby?”
Monday, October 17, 2011
Heaven Can Wait Until Next Week
We’re on the verge of our first World Cup triumph since 1987, and it looks as if the only thing standing in our way is a suspect-looking French team. Sure, 1999 and 2007 and all that, but the current lot don’t look to have the firepower to stun us as those two French teams did.
So it’s ours for the taking. Or at least it was.
And since I’m at it, what’s with all the earthquakes, mining disasters and environmental catastrophes?
The people who pay your wages expect an occasional bit of effort from you. But instead you allow one nightmare after another to descend upon the people of this country.
And when I say "nightmare", yes I am including your decision to shift Coro to a 5.30pm timeslot. What way is that to treat the oldies who are eating their rest home dinners at that time?
Listen, if you can manage to part the Red Sea then I'm pretty sure you can stop a shitty little container ship from hitting a marked reef. A marked reef, for chrissake!
If I was your boss I'd have fired you long ago.
So listen up. You can do whatever you want next week. You're God, after all, which means you're fairly omnipotent. But you don't want to piss me off this week, because we need to win this game.
Tell your mate Harold Camping to wait till Monday. No, make that Tuesday. Monday's a holiday, and I don't want my day off ruined by a whole bunch of cataclysms and tsunamis.
Go on, tell Camping there's been another delay. He's used to them by now. If he gets pissed at you then just say you had trouble organising the volcanoes to blow at the same time. It's a tricky business, all that volcanoey stuff.
Anyway, I expect you'll do whatever you want, just like always. But if you do this thing on Friday you're going to have a lot of irate people to deal with. Including me.
PS Should France be comfortably ahead moments before the final whistle, then that would be an okay time to push the big red button.
So it’s ours for the taking. Or at least it was.
Newsflash: The world will end on Friday night.Dammit, God! You couldn’t have waited until Monday morning? Why do you hate the All Blacks so much?
This shocking prediction comes from US Christian broadcaster Harold Camping, the same man who said the world would end on May 21 - and also on September 6, 1994.
And since I’m at it, what’s with all the earthquakes, mining disasters and environmental catastrophes?
The people who pay your wages expect an occasional bit of effort from you. But instead you allow one nightmare after another to descend upon the people of this country.
And when I say "nightmare", yes I am including your decision to shift Coro to a 5.30pm timeslot. What way is that to treat the oldies who are eating their rest home dinners at that time?
Listen, if you can manage to part the Red Sea then I'm pretty sure you can stop a shitty little container ship from hitting a marked reef. A marked reef, for chrissake!
If I was your boss I'd have fired you long ago.
So listen up. You can do whatever you want next week. You're God, after all, which means you're fairly omnipotent. But you don't want to piss me off this week, because we need to win this game.
Go on, tell Camping there's been another delay. He's used to them by now. If he gets pissed at you then just say you had trouble organising the volcanoes to blow at the same time. It's a tricky business, all that volcanoey stuff.
Anyway, I expect you'll do whatever you want, just like always. But if you do this thing on Friday you're going to have a lot of irate people to deal with. Including me.
PS Should France be comfortably ahead moments before the final whistle, then that would be an okay time to push the big red button.
French Team Concede World Cup Defeat
The All Blacks were this morning crowned world champions, after the French team unexpectedly pulled out of Sunday's final.
New Zealand beat Australia last night in a commanding and dominating performance.
French coach Marc Lievremont said his players had watched the game on television and had been awed and frightened by the power and ferocity of the All Blacks effort.
"We could see we had no chance," said Lievremont, through a translator.
"Before the final whistle had even been blown we were being written off, and told how we would lose the final by fifty point.
"We wanted to be gracious losers, and allow the New Zealand team to begin their celebrations a week early."
French captain Thierry Dusautoir said he was sorry they would not be playing on Sunday.
"What kind of spectacle would it be for people to watch? What chance do we have when almost all the armchair experts say we are going to be smashed?" asked the brave French flanker.
"Everyone knows that when France goes into a World Cup knockout game against the All Blacks the only thing to be certain of is an overwhelming victory for the New Zealand team.
"We thank the public of New Zealand for their hospitality and congratulate their fine team."
Rugby writer and former All Black halfback Darcy Monrovia said he was not surprised by the decision of the French to default.
"It was a sensible choice," wrote Monrovia in this morning's New Zealand Herald, "and it will not overly disrupt the New Zealand team's plans for the week. They would have been planning a relaxing week of golf-playing and boozing leading into the easiest of finals.
"Now at least they don't have to interrupt their celebrations with an annoying appearance at Eden Park next week to complete formalities."
French coach Marc Lievremont was now predicting a glorious period of New Zealand Rugby World Cup dominance.
"I expect they will win the next five tournaments, and easily," said Lievremont.
The International Rugby Board has confirmed it will not penalise France for pulling out of the final.
"It's the only thing they could have done. They had no chance against the All Blacks," said IRB chief Mike Miller.
"Just like in 1999 and 2007. But his time was different."
New Zealand beat Australia last night in a commanding and dominating performance.
French coach Marc Lievremont said his players had watched the game on television and had been awed and frightened by the power and ferocity of the All Blacks effort.
"We could see we had no chance," said Lievremont, through a translator.
"Before the final whistle had even been blown we were being written off, and told how we would lose the final by fifty point.
"We wanted to be gracious losers, and allow the New Zealand team to begin their celebrations a week early."
French captain Thierry Dusautoir said he was sorry they would not be playing on Sunday.
"What kind of spectacle would it be for people to watch? What chance do we have when almost all the armchair experts say we are going to be smashed?" asked the brave French flanker.
"Everyone knows that when France goes into a World Cup knockout game against the All Blacks the only thing to be certain of is an overwhelming victory for the New Zealand team.
"We thank the public of New Zealand for their hospitality and congratulate their fine team."
Rugby writer and former All Black halfback Darcy Monrovia said he was not surprised by the decision of the French to default.
"It was a sensible choice," wrote Monrovia in this morning's New Zealand Herald, "and it will not overly disrupt the New Zealand team's plans for the week. They would have been planning a relaxing week of golf-playing and boozing leading into the easiest of finals.
"Now at least they don't have to interrupt their celebrations with an annoying appearance at Eden Park next week to complete formalities."
French coach Marc Lievremont was now predicting a glorious period of New Zealand Rugby World Cup dominance.
"I expect they will win the next five tournaments, and easily," said Lievremont.
The International Rugby Board has confirmed it will not penalise France for pulling out of the final.
"It's the only thing they could have done. They had no chance against the All Blacks," said IRB chief Mike Miller.
"Just like in 1999 and 2007. But his time was different."
Saturday, September 17, 2011
A Plea To ABs Management
Having watched the All Blacks demolish mighty Japan last night, I am now convinced that we will go all the way and win the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
In previous World Cups what has done for us is a chop-and-change selection policy, coupled with injuries to key players. Invariably we have ended up tinkering with midfield combinations, and the result has been disastrous.
But not this time. It doesn't matter that the selectors can't seem to play the same team or build combinations, or that suddenly our two best players are injured.
And if they want to bring someone new into the midfield (I always said Owen Franks was a natural 12), then that's okay with me.
Because we are so good we could win the tournament even with 12 players on the field.
In fact, we are so good that if God put a team of superheroes and saints against us we'd still kick their arses.
Even if they all caught food poisoning the day before, a vomiting and incontinent ABs team would still make mincemeat of the best the world could put against them.
2011 is the year of the All Blacks. Not even the dodgiest and most corrupt referee can deny this year what is rightfully ours.
There's nothing that can stop us this time, nothing at all. This is our moment, our destiny.
All we need to do is show up and the Cup is ours.
So I have only one message to the All Blacks management. Please, please, don't let the boys travel to the final by train.
In previous World Cups what has done for us is a chop-and-change selection policy, coupled with injuries to key players. Invariably we have ended up tinkering with midfield combinations, and the result has been disastrous.
But not this time. It doesn't matter that the selectors can't seem to play the same team or build combinations, or that suddenly our two best players are injured.
And if they want to bring someone new into the midfield (I always said Owen Franks was a natural 12), then that's okay with me.
Because we are so good we could win the tournament even with 12 players on the field.
In fact, we are so good that if God put a team of superheroes and saints against us we'd still kick their arses.
Even if they all caught food poisoning the day before, a vomiting and incontinent ABs team would still make mincemeat of the best the world could put against them.
2011 is the year of the All Blacks. Not even the dodgiest and most corrupt referee can deny this year what is rightfully ours.
There's nothing that can stop us this time, nothing at all. This is our moment, our destiny.
All we need to do is show up and the Cup is ours.
So I have only one message to the All Blacks management. Please, please, don't let the boys travel to the final by train.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Of Mice And All Blacks
Labour Party leader Phil Goff is today the subject of renewed questions about his leadership, after blogger Campbell Slug released a recording of a Labour MP contradicting an earlier statement by Goff.
Mr Goff told listeners on Paul Henry's Radio Live show on Monday that his favourite All Black player was Richie McCaw.
However, this morning blogger Campbell Slug released on his blogsite FishMeat a recording of Labour's Dunedin South MP Clare Curran stating that Dan Carter was "the man."
This disagreement between Labour MPs adds further fuel to suggestions that Labour's caucus is disunited and that the party lacks discipline.
"If Labour's MPs can't even agree on basic issues, like who their favourite player is, then it's clear they're just not fit to govern us," said prominent media commentator and blogger David Farrar.
Prime Minister John Key was later asked at a press conference what he thought of Labour's latest blunder.
Mr Key did not respond directly, but instead just smiled, and most of the journalists in the front row of the gathered media scrum collapsed.
Once they had recovered somewhat and taken some air, Mr Key was asked who his favourite All Black was.
"They're all wonderful," said Mr Key.
Political insiders praised Mr Key's masterstroke, and most are predicting that he will live a long and prosperous life.
However, ACT leader Don Brash has slammed the media's obsession with rugby players and rugby stories.
"Frankly, I don't understand why this matter was even reported, when our economy is in such dire trouble," said Dr Brash.
"ACT has been talking about the issues that matter for months, but nobody's listening. It seems as if nowadays only the most trivial and nonsensical of news gets front-page treatment, while the stories that matter go untold.
"I have a whole collection of homosexual-mice stories, but the news media just aren't interested."
Mr Goff told listeners on Paul Henry's Radio Live show on Monday that his favourite All Black player was Richie McCaw.
However, this morning blogger Campbell Slug released on his blogsite FishMeat a recording of Labour's Dunedin South MP Clare Curran stating that Dan Carter was "the man."
This disagreement between Labour MPs adds further fuel to suggestions that Labour's caucus is disunited and that the party lacks discipline.
"If Labour's MPs can't even agree on basic issues, like who their favourite player is, then it's clear they're just not fit to govern us," said prominent media commentator and blogger David Farrar.
Prime Minister John Key was later asked at a press conference what he thought of Labour's latest blunder.
Mr Key did not respond directly, but instead just smiled, and most of the journalists in the front row of the gathered media scrum collapsed.
Once they had recovered somewhat and taken some air, Mr Key was asked who his favourite All Black was.
"They're all wonderful," said Mr Key.
Political insiders praised Mr Key's masterstroke, and most are predicting that he will live a long and prosperous life.
However, ACT leader Don Brash has slammed the media's obsession with rugby players and rugby stories.
"Frankly, I don't understand why this matter was even reported, when our economy is in such dire trouble," said Dr Brash.
"ACT has been talking about the issues that matter for months, but nobody's listening. It seems as if nowadays only the most trivial and nonsensical of news gets front-page treatment, while the stories that matter go untold.
"I have a whole collection of homosexual-mice stories, but the news media just aren't interested."
Sunday, August 28, 2011
A Tribute To The All Black Coaches
Proving that there is always light, even if the tunnel you are looking through is the barrel of someone else's gun.
I don't normally post about sport, but I just wanted to write something to salute the genius of the All Black coaching team.
Their preparation has been meticulous, and they have left no stone unturned in their quest to lead us to World Cup glory. And so they would have noticed a glaring flaw in our plan: No All Black team that goes into the World Cup as red-hot favourites ever wins the thing.
Losing two games in a row is never easy for the All Blacks, but they've done what had to be done. We're now almost limping into the competition, with key players injured and confidence down.
Utterly brilliant. We ought to clean up.
And if by chance we should reach the final but lose to Australia, let me be the first to salute the coaches again. That would clearly be a sign that they were planning for the future. 2012 is going to be a big year, and the boys will be determined to win back the Tri-Nations trophy. Winning the World Cup would definitely be peaking too early.
I don't normally post about sport, but I just wanted to write something to salute the genius of the All Black coaching team.
Their preparation has been meticulous, and they have left no stone unturned in their quest to lead us to World Cup glory. And so they would have noticed a glaring flaw in our plan: No All Black team that goes into the World Cup as red-hot favourites ever wins the thing.
Losing two games in a row is never easy for the All Blacks, but they've done what had to be done. We're now almost limping into the competition, with key players injured and confidence down.
Utterly brilliant. We ought to clean up.
And if by chance we should reach the final but lose to Australia, let me be the first to salute the coaches again. That would clearly be a sign that they were planning for the future. 2012 is going to be a big year, and the boys will be determined to win back the Tri-Nations trophy. Winning the World Cup would definitely be peaking too early.
Monday, April 25, 2011
My Own All Blacks Story
When I read Shayne Philpott's rugby story in the news the other day it brought a lot of things back to me. Things I thought I had put behind me.
It also brought back a few tears. Some things are just so painful they never really left you.
Philpott was a handy utility back in his day, but was despised by many in rugby circles, because they considered him an inferior talent, and because his selection for the All Blacks meant more popular players missed out. That was back in the days before professional rugby and mass squad rotations. It was extraordinarily hard to get into the All Blacks back then, and players seldom came off the field unless seriously injured.
Shayne's story sounds a bit like mine. The talkback abuse, the swirling rumours, and the sharpened pens of the rugby scribes writing poison—I remember them all too well.
But Philpott's name at least appears in the record books. Not mine. I am the All Black you've never heard of.
I was first selected in 1990 against Australia in Christchurch. It was a solid team and we hadn't lost to Australia since 1986. But the team were coming to the end of a long and glorious run that had begun with the Rugby World Cup win in 1987, and their best days were perhaps behind them. It was into an environment of seasoned veterans perhaps grown too complacent and comfortable that I was thrust. No wonder, then, that things didn't start out so well for me.
I knew as soon as I stepped into the dressing room that my career wasn't going to be an easy one. The coach Grizz Wylie looked me up and down and said "hey kid, who the fuck are you?"
Grizz had a reputation in rugby circles of being a hard bastard, so I thought at first he must be joking. But he maintained a menacing stare as I explained that I was here to play the first test. It did me no good, and I was told to piss off, and then a bunch of burly security guys came and threw me out of the stadium.
For a young kid like me that was a pretty traumatic experience. But I loved my rugby and was absolutely determined to break into the team, so I returned to the fray, trained hard and worked on my game. It took a couple of years of trying, but I finally got another chance in 1994. There was a new coach, Laurie Mains, and a Rugby World Cup only a year away. If I performed well I knew there was a chance of a trip to South Africa the following year.
But when I reported for duty in the test match against the French Mains said to me "you shouldn't be in here. If you want an autograph you'll have to wait till after the game."
So that was that. Another rejection, and another insult.
You probably remember what happened next. They trialled a young guy called Jonah Lomu in the position I should have been playing, and the French exposed him mercilessly. We lost the series 2-0, but to add insult to injury Lomu went on to become a rugby superstar.
It should have been me.
I tried again the following year, but this time I couldn't even get as far as the changing rooms. So I was left out of the World Cup squad and had to watch our agonising loss to South Africa in the final on the TV, knowing that if I had been there the result might have been very different.
By this time I was at a pretty low ebb, and considered packing it in. In the end I decided I'd give it one more season, and if that didn't do the job I'd quit rugby and find something more meaningful to occupy my time. So I began to work hard on my fitness, sometimes going to the gym more than once a week. I'd never felt fitter and stronger, and it paid off.
I got my chance to shine against the Wallabies. I was only a reserve, but that was better than nothing. My opportunity came just after halftime, when Lomu went down hurt. I ran on, expecting at least some polite applause, but all I got were jeers. I was dragged off, literally, by two big Polynesian guys, and ended up spending a night in the police cells. Some way to celebrate your first test cap, isn't it?
I can only surmise that officials took exception to my lack of a regulation kit when I went onto the field, but how can I be blamed for that? I couldn't get into the changing rooms and the team officials had such a dripping contempt for me that when I tried to tell them who I was they just told me to piss off.
The thing that hurt me most about that one test cap was the reaction to my performance. It haunts me to this day. I found out later what they said about me on the TV when I came on. Sky TV commentator Grant Nisbett said "hello, who's this idiot running onto the field?" and one of the other commentators accused me of disrupting the game. But how could I disrupt the game if they wouldn't even let me go near the ball?
The next day I was the talk of the town, on the airwaves and in the papers. On talkback radio they complained about the lack of security at our grounds and the fact that (I'm quoting word for word) "any moron can just jump over the fence and ruin the game". But the final straw was a column by a well-respected rugby writer in a national newspaper (I won't name you, but you know who you are) who labelled my efforts "disrespectful and an insult to the game".
After than I hung my boots up for good. But there's scarcely a day when I don't think about those hurtful people and the way they treated me. I wish I could say that these experiences made me tougher, but the truth is they didn't. Every blow struck against me still hurts.
The crowning insult came when I went back to look at my official rugby record a couple of days ago, just after I read the Philpott story. They may have treated me with cruelty, but they couldn't take my test cap away, could they? Well guess what? My name doesn't appear in any record book. I didn't put a foot wrong during my sole appearance for the All Blacks, but still they wouldn't even give me a minor appearance in the history books. Bastards! It's as if all evidence of my career has been expunged.
I've been thinking a lot about this over the last few days. Like Philpott I wondered if I should just flog off all my rugby memorabilia and be done with it. Reading Philpott's story, though, made me realise there must be other guys out there with similar stories to my own. Guys whose careers went nowhere—because of misfortune, or the capricious whims of officials.
So guess what? I'm on a comeback. I have come to realise that I have a lot of unfinished business with rugby, and I would dearly love to stick it to those officials, coaches and media know-it-alls who so royally stuffed me and left me a shuddering wreck of a man for years on end.
I'm getting on in years, though I'm still on the right side of forty, and my health and fitness are pretty good still. Just yesterday I managed a two kilometre run in under twenty minutes. And there's always a place for the older guys. Tana Umaga's playing for the Chiefs, and Reuben Thorne is about to return for the Crusaders. So as from this week I'm back in training, determined to win back my place.
I plan to make my comeback at the Rugby World Cup. What better time to make an impact, when the eyes of the rugby world are turned upon New Zealand?
Wouldn't it be something else to run out onto Eden Park during the final?
It also brought back a few tears. Some things are just so painful they never really left you.
Philpott was a handy utility back in his day, but was despised by many in rugby circles, because they considered him an inferior talent, and because his selection for the All Blacks meant more popular players missed out. That was back in the days before professional rugby and mass squad rotations. It was extraordinarily hard to get into the All Blacks back then, and players seldom came off the field unless seriously injured.
Shayne's story sounds a bit like mine. The talkback abuse, the swirling rumours, and the sharpened pens of the rugby scribes writing poison—I remember them all too well.
But Philpott's name at least appears in the record books. Not mine. I am the All Black you've never heard of.
I was first selected in 1990 against Australia in Christchurch. It was a solid team and we hadn't lost to Australia since 1986. But the team were coming to the end of a long and glorious run that had begun with the Rugby World Cup win in 1987, and their best days were perhaps behind them. It was into an environment of seasoned veterans perhaps grown too complacent and comfortable that I was thrust. No wonder, then, that things didn't start out so well for me.
I knew as soon as I stepped into the dressing room that my career wasn't going to be an easy one. The coach Grizz Wylie looked me up and down and said "hey kid, who the fuck are you?"
Grizz had a reputation in rugby circles of being a hard bastard, so I thought at first he must be joking. But he maintained a menacing stare as I explained that I was here to play the first test. It did me no good, and I was told to piss off, and then a bunch of burly security guys came and threw me out of the stadium.
For a young kid like me that was a pretty traumatic experience. But I loved my rugby and was absolutely determined to break into the team, so I returned to the fray, trained hard and worked on my game. It took a couple of years of trying, but I finally got another chance in 1994. There was a new coach, Laurie Mains, and a Rugby World Cup only a year away. If I performed well I knew there was a chance of a trip to South Africa the following year.
But when I reported for duty in the test match against the French Mains said to me "you shouldn't be in here. If you want an autograph you'll have to wait till after the game."
So that was that. Another rejection, and another insult.
You probably remember what happened next. They trialled a young guy called Jonah Lomu in the position I should have been playing, and the French exposed him mercilessly. We lost the series 2-0, but to add insult to injury Lomu went on to become a rugby superstar.
It should have been me.
I tried again the following year, but this time I couldn't even get as far as the changing rooms. So I was left out of the World Cup squad and had to watch our agonising loss to South Africa in the final on the TV, knowing that if I had been there the result might have been very different.
By this time I was at a pretty low ebb, and considered packing it in. In the end I decided I'd give it one more season, and if that didn't do the job I'd quit rugby and find something more meaningful to occupy my time. So I began to work hard on my fitness, sometimes going to the gym more than once a week. I'd never felt fitter and stronger, and it paid off.
I got my chance to shine against the Wallabies. I was only a reserve, but that was better than nothing. My opportunity came just after halftime, when Lomu went down hurt. I ran on, expecting at least some polite applause, but all I got were jeers. I was dragged off, literally, by two big Polynesian guys, and ended up spending a night in the police cells. Some way to celebrate your first test cap, isn't it?
I can only surmise that officials took exception to my lack of a regulation kit when I went onto the field, but how can I be blamed for that? I couldn't get into the changing rooms and the team officials had such a dripping contempt for me that when I tried to tell them who I was they just told me to piss off.
The thing that hurt me most about that one test cap was the reaction to my performance. It haunts me to this day. I found out later what they said about me on the TV when I came on. Sky TV commentator Grant Nisbett said "hello, who's this idiot running onto the field?" and one of the other commentators accused me of disrupting the game. But how could I disrupt the game if they wouldn't even let me go near the ball?
The next day I was the talk of the town, on the airwaves and in the papers. On talkback radio they complained about the lack of security at our grounds and the fact that (I'm quoting word for word) "any moron can just jump over the fence and ruin the game". But the final straw was a column by a well-respected rugby writer in a national newspaper (I won't name you, but you know who you are) who labelled my efforts "disrespectful and an insult to the game".
After than I hung my boots up for good. But there's scarcely a day when I don't think about those hurtful people and the way they treated me. I wish I could say that these experiences made me tougher, but the truth is they didn't. Every blow struck against me still hurts.
The crowning insult came when I went back to look at my official rugby record a couple of days ago, just after I read the Philpott story. They may have treated me with cruelty, but they couldn't take my test cap away, could they? Well guess what? My name doesn't appear in any record book. I didn't put a foot wrong during my sole appearance for the All Blacks, but still they wouldn't even give me a minor appearance in the history books. Bastards! It's as if all evidence of my career has been expunged.
I've been thinking a lot about this over the last few days. Like Philpott I wondered if I should just flog off all my rugby memorabilia and be done with it. Reading Philpott's story, though, made me realise there must be other guys out there with similar stories to my own. Guys whose careers went nowhere—because of misfortune, or the capricious whims of officials.
So guess what? I'm on a comeback. I have come to realise that I have a lot of unfinished business with rugby, and I would dearly love to stick it to those officials, coaches and media know-it-alls who so royally stuffed me and left me a shuddering wreck of a man for years on end.
I'm getting on in years, though I'm still on the right side of forty, and my health and fitness are pretty good still. Just yesterday I managed a two kilometre run in under twenty minutes. And there's always a place for the older guys. Tana Umaga's playing for the Chiefs, and Reuben Thorne is about to return for the Crusaders. So as from this week I'm back in training, determined to win back my place.
I plan to make my comeback at the Rugby World Cup. What better time to make an impact, when the eyes of the rugby world are turned upon New Zealand?
Wouldn't it be something else to run out onto Eden Park during the final?
Monday, November 22, 2010
Weekend Results Roundup
Prime Minister John Key said on Saturday that he was delighted with the Mana byelection result.
Although Labour’s inexperienced candidate got over 1000 more votes than the National candidate, MP Hekia Parata, Mr Key said it was still a victory to National.
“We never expected to win this,” said Mr Key. “So to pull this off is truly astounding. Hekia ran a wonderful campaign.”
Mr Key compared the result with other recent victories by National.
“This reminds me of our 2005 General Election victory. And last year’s Mt Albert byelection, where we crushed David Shearer.
"And let’s not forget how well the centre-right did in the recent local body elections. This is a historic event.”
Mr Key was referring to the fact that no sitting government has ever won a byelection by taking an opposition-held seat.
History also shows that until now no sitting government has ever made such an effort to disguise the defeat of a local MP by an unknown, by in fact claiming some sort of victory.
Irish coach Declan Kidney claimed victory for Ireland in Saturday’s test, after pointing out that the previous test the two teams played in 2010 resulted in a 38 point margin to New Zealand.
The margin on Saturday was only 30 points.
The victory over New Zealand was one of many moral victories inflicted against the New Zealand team by the Irish lately.
In 2008 The All Blacks had a moral loss to the Irish in Wellington, winning 21-11. And later that year the Irish stunned them by losing 22-3.
It is not yet known whether the International Rugby Board will endorse Ireland’s moral victories.
Meanwhile, last night, the English netball team were also in celebratory mood, after winning a close game against New Zealand in the fastnet netball competition in Liverpool this morning.
Beaten 28-26 on the scoreboard, the international-stacked England team were thrilled to morally defeat a junior New Zealand team.
“We pushed them all the way,” said an elated English captain Karen Atkinson. “The scoreboard doesn’t reflect the effort we put in. This is one of the best moral victories of my career.”
Although Labour’s inexperienced candidate got over 1000 more votes than the National candidate, MP Hekia Parata, Mr Key said it was still a victory to National.
“We never expected to win this,” said Mr Key. “So to pull this off is truly astounding. Hekia ran a wonderful campaign.”
Mr Key compared the result with other recent victories by National.
“This reminds me of our 2005 General Election victory. And last year’s Mt Albert byelection, where we crushed David Shearer.
"And let’s not forget how well the centre-right did in the recent local body elections. This is a historic event.”
Mr Key was referring to the fact that no sitting government has ever won a byelection by taking an opposition-held seat.
History also shows that until now no sitting government has ever made such an effort to disguise the defeat of a local MP by an unknown, by in fact claiming some sort of victory.
******
In Dublin this weekend the Irish rugby team celebrated a rare win against the All Blacks.Irish coach Declan Kidney claimed victory for Ireland in Saturday’s test, after pointing out that the previous test the two teams played in 2010 resulted in a 38 point margin to New Zealand.
The margin on Saturday was only 30 points.
The victory over New Zealand was one of many moral victories inflicted against the New Zealand team by the Irish lately.
In 2008 The All Blacks had a moral loss to the Irish in Wellington, winning 21-11. And later that year the Irish stunned them by losing 22-3.
It is not yet known whether the International Rugby Board will endorse Ireland’s moral victories.
******
Meanwhile, last night, the English netball team were also in celebratory mood, after winning a close game against New Zealand in the fastnet netball competition in Liverpool this morning.
Beaten 28-26 on the scoreboard, the international-stacked England team were thrilled to morally defeat a junior New Zealand team.
“We pushed them all the way,” said an elated English captain Karen Atkinson. “The scoreboard doesn’t reflect the effort we put in. This is one of the best moral victories of my career.”
Monday, November 1, 2010
Stop Feeding The Rugby Troll
The Herald reports that UK rugby writer Stephen Jones has attacked the Haka in his latest column. At the time I am posting this the Jones story is one of the most prominent on the Herald website.
Jones does this just about every year. Every year our papers pick it up. It will be chewed over on the airwaves, and the story will feed into our feeling that the English just don't respect us.
I for one don't give a rat's arse what the English think about our Haka, or our team for that matter, and I don't see any special reason why we should look to seek their approval. The only thing that matters about New Zealand-England rugby relations is the result on the field.
Stephen Jones is the newspaper equivalent of the internet troll. Why don't we just stop feeding him? He's getting off on the notoriety.
Jones does this just about every year. Every year our papers pick it up. It will be chewed over on the airwaves, and the story will feed into our feeling that the English just don't respect us.
I for one don't give a rat's arse what the English think about our Haka, or our team for that matter, and I don't see any special reason why we should look to seek their approval. The only thing that matters about New Zealand-England rugby relations is the result on the field.
Stephen Jones is the newspaper equivalent of the internet troll. Why don't we just stop feeding him? He's getting off on the notoriety.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Give Us Back Our DHL Cup!
MEAA leader Simon Whipp is probably a relieved man, after last night's All Black loss to Australia.
Last week Whipp was the man New Zealanders most hated.
But last night one man put in a brief but memorable performance that assured him of infamy. Take a bow Stephen Donald.
Donald doesn't deserve to be vilified quite as much as he is being. As international players go he is mediocre, and not up to it. But he didn't kill anyone. Let's give the guy a break.
Sure he had two chances to win the game for New Zealand. He missed a regulation penalty kick that would have given us an almost unassailable lead. Then in the dying seconds he missed a kick to touch that might have finished the game, or at least allowed us to regroup.
Actually I'm getting bloody angry just thinking about it. Damn you, Donald!
Last week Whipp was the man New Zealanders most hated.
But last night one man put in a brief but memorable performance that assured him of infamy. Take a bow Stephen Donald.
Donald doesn't deserve to be vilified quite as much as he is being. As international players go he is mediocre, and not up to it. But he didn't kill anyone. Let's give the guy a break.
Sure he had two chances to win the game for New Zealand. He missed a regulation penalty kick that would have given us an almost unassailable lead. Then in the dying seconds he missed a kick to touch that might have finished the game, or at least allowed us to regroup.
Actually I'm getting bloody angry just thinking about it. Damn you, Donald!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Sonny-Bill Fit To Play - in 2031
Rugby superstar Sonny-Bill Williams is set to make his debut for Canterbury next week.
Canterbury coach Colin Slade said the niggling injury that has kept the exciting player on the sidelines for so long has almost healed.
"Last week he wasn't there, but this week he's ninety-five per cent fit.
"But we decided not to risk him. We just want to give him another week."
Williams was recruited by the Canterbury team twenty-one years ago, but has been sidelined by a succession of injuries and illnesses since that time.
Williams told reporters he was "fizzing" and ready to put on the red and black jersey for the first time. But he was also prepared to be patient.
"I know my time will come," Williams said.
But time is running out for the 46 year old sensation. Williams has made no secret of the fact that his main goal in returning to New Zealand two decades ago was to be an All Black. However, the All Black selectors are due to name their team to tour the Northern Hemisphere next month, and may be reluctant to pick Williams on reputation alone.
All Blacks coach Aaron Cruden has spoken in the past about his admiration for Williams' strength and power as a rugby league player.
On the other hand, Cruden will be mindful of Williams' history of injuries and illnesses. Williams' most recent attack of gout will be weighing heavily on the coach's mind.
But Williams dismisses concerns that he is fragile, injury-prone, slow, old and overweight.
"I've just got to stay focused on the goal ahead. It may take me another twenty years, but if that's what it takes to play for the All Blacks, then so be it.
"And if they don't want me I've got an offer to play for England."
Canterbury coach Colin Slade said the niggling injury that has kept the exciting player on the sidelines for so long has almost healed.
"Last week he wasn't there, but this week he's ninety-five per cent fit.
"But we decided not to risk him. We just want to give him another week."
Williams was recruited by the Canterbury team twenty-one years ago, but has been sidelined by a succession of injuries and illnesses since that time.
Williams told reporters he was "fizzing" and ready to put on the red and black jersey for the first time. But he was also prepared to be patient.
"I know my time will come," Williams said.
But time is running out for the 46 year old sensation. Williams has made no secret of the fact that his main goal in returning to New Zealand two decades ago was to be an All Black. However, the All Black selectors are due to name their team to tour the Northern Hemisphere next month, and may be reluctant to pick Williams on reputation alone.
All Blacks coach Aaron Cruden has spoken in the past about his admiration for Williams' strength and power as a rugby league player.
On the other hand, Cruden will be mindful of Williams' history of injuries and illnesses. Williams' most recent attack of gout will be weighing heavily on the coach's mind.
But Williams dismisses concerns that he is fragile, injury-prone, slow, old and overweight.
"I've just got to stay focused on the goal ahead. It may take me another twenty years, but if that's what it takes to play for the All Blacks, then so be it.
"And if they don't want me I've got an offer to play for England."
Saturday, July 31, 2010
We Just Need To Show Up To Win
Tonight's big rugby game will be a test for the boys in black, but they have been in sizzling form and will destroy Australia tonight.
The clinical destruction of South Africa by the All Blacks is a clear sign of what to expect this evening. And, my word, the boys are confident. They have been saying all week how well their combinations have come together, and how good the feeling within the team is.
Remember all those other big games (like, say World Cup knock-out games) when all we needed to do to win was show up? This will be one of those games.
And that's why our boys should ease up, rest on their laurels, and start looking ahead to next week's game. Because this one's in the bag.
It's pleasing to know that at the end of 80 minutes tonight the chickens will still be roosting away from home. We have the wood on Australia, and there's really nothing that can go wrong tonight. Not even God can change the inevitability of tonight's result. But then God wouldn't. He recognises champions when he sees them.
Victory is a given, so if there was ever a time for complacency, maybe this is it. That's why tonight the All Blacks can afford to put the foot on the brake pedal. It won't mater if they leave any number of stones unturned in their quest for victory, because the result is ordained. We can be sure that our boys are not chokers, and that the pressure will not get to them.
Are we tempting fate with this level of confidence? Are we guilty of hubris? Sure. But God is on our side, so it doesn't matter.
People, I urge you to put your life savings* on an easy victory by New Zealand tonight.
Update: See? I told you. We are invincible.
* I realise those of you who followed my advice to put everything into first ranking secured debentures offered by various finance companies are probably wondering whether my investment advice is still good. It is! That Bridgecorp investment will come good eventually, believe me. You have to to be prepared to stay the course.
The clinical destruction of South Africa by the All Blacks is a clear sign of what to expect this evening. And, my word, the boys are confident. They have been saying all week how well their combinations have come together, and how good the feeling within the team is.
Remember all those other big games (like, say World Cup knock-out games) when all we needed to do to win was show up? This will be one of those games.
And that's why our boys should ease up, rest on their laurels, and start looking ahead to next week's game. Because this one's in the bag.
It's pleasing to know that at the end of 80 minutes tonight the chickens will still be roosting away from home. We have the wood on Australia, and there's really nothing that can go wrong tonight. Not even God can change the inevitability of tonight's result. But then God wouldn't. He recognises champions when he sees them.
Victory is a given, so if there was ever a time for complacency, maybe this is it. That's why tonight the All Blacks can afford to put the foot on the brake pedal. It won't mater if they leave any number of stones unturned in their quest for victory, because the result is ordained. We can be sure that our boys are not chokers, and that the pressure will not get to them.
Are we tempting fate with this level of confidence? Are we guilty of hubris? Sure. But God is on our side, so it doesn't matter.
People, I urge you to put your life savings* on an easy victory by New Zealand tonight.
Update: See? I told you. We are invincible.
* I realise those of you who followed my advice to put everything into first ranking secured debentures offered by various finance companies are probably wondering whether my investment advice is still good. It is! That Bridgecorp investment will come good eventually, believe me. You have to to be prepared to stay the course.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Blaming Everyone But Themselves
Saturday’s test between the All Blacks and Springboks revealed a number of interesting things.
New Zealand of course won, and the manner in which it won was convincing.
However, the margin of victory was not as comprehensive as last week’s, and the Boks put up a fight this time. But it was a wet night and the ball was slippery, and Carter missed a load of kicks at goal, so overall the score-line is still pleasing.
It’s interesting to hear the South African take on the game. The Springboks coaching staff were quick to attack the standard of refereeing, as if bad reffing was the only thing that let them down. The fact of the matter is that South African teams continue to struggle with discipline. The sinbinning of Danie Rossouw was a bit harsh, but he infringed right under the ref’s nose, so put himself at risk. Richie McCaw could have been yellow-carded later in the game for infringing, and was a trifle lucky to stay on. But by the time that became an issue we’d effectively won the game.
Apart from the on-field performance, it’s intriguing to see the different coaching and management styles. There were constant camera shots of the two coaching panels during the game. Henry and co were always calm and composed. The South Africans seemed much more excitable, with some of the team gesticulating, cursing and finger-pointing.
In fact, when I think about it I don’t think I’ve seen a match on TV involving this Springbok coach, where he and his team weren’t jumping up and down in excitement and/or outrage. It doesn’t seem to matter whether they’re winning or losing.
And that to me is the difference in the teams. One group of players has a steady and settled management team that doesn’t look externally for excuses when the players don’t perform. Another has a management team that is quick to blame the referee and opposition when things don’t go well.
South Africa’s two-dimensional play was exposed over the last two weekends. Last year South Africa kept winning games because its game-plan was simple, ugly and effective. The plan was to bash the ball forward with that big forward-pack, and then boot the ball high in the air. On defence they would charge up and have at least one guy sniffing for the intercept try. Most teams struggled to come up with a response to those tactics.
But happily for New Zealand, the Springbok coach, Peter de Villiers, is looking to blame South Africa’s poor showing on everything but poor play and unimaginative tactics. Let’s hope he continues to do so for another year and a bit, and doesn’t make the necessary adjustments. It would be nice to win that World Cup next year, and the South Africans are our main threat.
It may be too soon to suggest that South Africa have peaked and are now in trouble. They have some great players, though they also have a few who are looking past their best. Still, they may regroup and come back stronger.
New Zealand of course won, and the manner in which it won was convincing.
However, the margin of victory was not as comprehensive as last week’s, and the Boks put up a fight this time. But it was a wet night and the ball was slippery, and Carter missed a load of kicks at goal, so overall the score-line is still pleasing.
It’s interesting to hear the South African take on the game. The Springboks coaching staff were quick to attack the standard of refereeing, as if bad reffing was the only thing that let them down. The fact of the matter is that South African teams continue to struggle with discipline. The sinbinning of Danie Rossouw was a bit harsh, but he infringed right under the ref’s nose, so put himself at risk. Richie McCaw could have been yellow-carded later in the game for infringing, and was a trifle lucky to stay on. But by the time that became an issue we’d effectively won the game.
Apart from the on-field performance, it’s intriguing to see the different coaching and management styles. There were constant camera shots of the two coaching panels during the game. Henry and co were always calm and composed. The South Africans seemed much more excitable, with some of the team gesticulating, cursing and finger-pointing.
In fact, when I think about it I don’t think I’ve seen a match on TV involving this Springbok coach, where he and his team weren’t jumping up and down in excitement and/or outrage. It doesn’t seem to matter whether they’re winning or losing.
And that to me is the difference in the teams. One group of players has a steady and settled management team that doesn’t look externally for excuses when the players don’t perform. Another has a management team that is quick to blame the referee and opposition when things don’t go well.
South Africa’s two-dimensional play was exposed over the last two weekends. Last year South Africa kept winning games because its game-plan was simple, ugly and effective. The plan was to bash the ball forward with that big forward-pack, and then boot the ball high in the air. On defence they would charge up and have at least one guy sniffing for the intercept try. Most teams struggled to come up with a response to those tactics.
But happily for New Zealand, the Springbok coach, Peter de Villiers, is looking to blame South Africa’s poor showing on everything but poor play and unimaginative tactics. Let’s hope he continues to do so for another year and a bit, and doesn’t make the necessary adjustments. It would be nice to win that World Cup next year, and the South Africans are our main threat.
It may be too soon to suggest that South Africa have peaked and are now in trouble. They have some great players, though they also have a few who are looking past their best. Still, they may regroup and come back stronger.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Only One Team Unbeaten At The End
What an epic game that was. That will have captivated fans of the sport around the world.
And didn’t we do well? We’d been written off beforehand by most, and when we squared off against the world champions it was assumed we’d just roll over. Weren’t they in for a shock?
Did anyone predict we wouldn’t be beaten?
The important thing now is to capitalise on the momentum and goodwill generated by this team’s performance.
(In other news, the Football World Cup has just ended in a 1-0 victory for Spain. I understand we did pretty well in that event too)
And didn’t we do well? We’d been written off beforehand by most, and when we squared off against the world champions it was assumed we’d just roll over. Weren’t they in for a shock?
Did anyone predict we wouldn’t be beaten?
The important thing now is to capitalise on the momentum and goodwill generated by this team’s performance.
(In other news, the Football World Cup has just ended in a 1-0 victory for Spain. I understand we did pretty well in that event too)
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
In Which My Ego Gets The Better Of Me
I think I'm having a Cactus Kate moment.
Because I feel the need to crow on my blogsite about my unparalleled genius.
So please indulge me as I get this out of my system.
(ahem...)
TOLD YOU SO! TOLD YOU SO!
Yes, that does feel good.
In this case my crowing is over an entirely trivial matter - the All Blacks team.
When the selectors announced the team for the Northern Hemisphere I was dismayed to notice the absence of a third hooker in the squad. Especially when one of the two hookers selected has had a series of injury problems over his career. I made my opinion known on a sports blogsite, and then waited. And waited.... and waited...
And then this morning this.
(See, that wasn't too unbearable, was it? Wait... where are you going? Come back!)
Because I feel the need to crow on my blogsite about my unparalleled genius.
So please indulge me as I get this out of my system.
(ahem...)
TOLD YOU SO! TOLD YOU SO!
Yes, that does feel good.
In this case my crowing is over an entirely trivial matter - the All Blacks team.
When the selectors announced the team for the Northern Hemisphere I was dismayed to notice the absence of a third hooker in the squad. Especially when one of the two hookers selected has had a series of injury problems over his career. I made my opinion known on a sports blogsite, and then waited. And waited.... and waited...
And then this morning this.
The All Blacks insist their gamble to pick just two hookers in their rugby tour squad hasn't backfired as a Corey Flynn hamstring strain saw Aled de Malmanche rushed in from a Bali holiday for a potential bench spot against England.Graham Henry, next time you pick a team, please call me. I could have saved you a lot of bother.
Flynn was rated doubtful for Sunday's (NZT) test at Twickenham after suffering the twinge near the end of yesterday's session.
(See, that wasn't too unbearable, was it? Wait... where are you going? Come back!)
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sunday Twits
If anyone ought to stay quiet over the tedious Harawira affair, it would be Paul Holmes. But the legendary short man can't resist a jab. His accusation of double standards is particularly surprising considering the reaction to his appalling "Cheeky Darky" comments was not remotely as savage as that directed towards Harawira. Double standards indeed.
It was good to see little New Zealand shaking up the football world this weekend
Although I thought the All Blacks didn't make the most of their historic appearance at the San Siro football stadium in Milan.
"Historic" is probably the most overused word in sport. Of course, the real shake-up was the marvelous effort of the All Whites to reach the World Cup finals. But historic? Why? We've been there before - in 1982 of course. How many times do you get to go before it stops becoming "historic"?
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That other sunday paper twit is no stranger to racism. His hatred of Maori is visceral and infests almost everything he writes. This week is no exception.
I got only a few lines in before almost throwing up in disgust. I have no idea what the rest of his article says.
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Although I thought the All Blacks didn't make the most of their historic appearance at the San Siro football stadium in Milan.
"Historic" is probably the most overused word in sport. Of course, the real shake-up was the marvelous effort of the All Whites to reach the World Cup finals. But historic? Why? We've been there before - in 1982 of course. How many times do you get to go before it stops becoming "historic"?
Saturday, September 19, 2009
All Blacks Shock: Some Players Like To Spend Time With Their Kids
The Herald has been on the hunt. And this time it appears the All Blacks are in its sights.
To be fair to the Herald, it's not as if the national team haven't been criticised in every other form of media.
But there is something potentially troubling with the Herald's coverage. In the paper this morning is a story critical of the team, and suggesting heads may roll if they lose tonight's game. In the online version of that story All Blacks Rodney So'oaialo and Ma'a Nonu are pictured with their children.
So what? I'd have normally thought nothing of it too. But earlier in the week the Herald asked readers what needed to be done to stop the rot in the team. Pictured with the "Your Views" story online (though it doesn't appear any more) was All Black Mils Muliaina with his young son.
I can only assume someone wants us to think our boys are soft because they spend too much time with their children.
Thankfully that is not the only view at the Herald, as this story would suggest.
But it indicates someone at the Herald has an "interesting" attitude towards men and their families.
To be fair to the Herald, it's not as if the national team haven't been criticised in every other form of media.
But there is something potentially troubling with the Herald's coverage. In the paper this morning is a story critical of the team, and suggesting heads may roll if they lose tonight's game. In the online version of that story All Blacks Rodney So'oaialo and Ma'a Nonu are pictured with their children.
So what? I'd have normally thought nothing of it too. But earlier in the week the Herald asked readers what needed to be done to stop the rot in the team. Pictured with the "Your Views" story online (though it doesn't appear any more) was All Black Mils Muliaina with his young son.
I can only assume someone wants us to think our boys are soft because they spend too much time with their children.
Thankfully that is not the only view at the Herald, as this story would suggest.
But it indicates someone at the Herald has an "interesting" attitude towards men and their families.
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